MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL
HELD IN THE VILLAGE HALL, SOUTH CERNEY
ON WEDNESDAY 14th December 2005.

The meeting began at 7pm when the Chairman, Cllr M. Stuart welcomed Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) Ian Yeomans. PCSO Yeomans explained that his role was of a supporting nature to enable policemen concentrate on the more acute elements of police work. His presence, although in uniform, generally allowed the streets to be free of regular police and he felt able to bridge the gap between the public and police. It was, he emphasised the way forward at the moment. Around South Cerney his duties mostly consisted of keeping vehicles off pavements and other illegal or inconsiderate parking habits and curbing antisocial behaviour by the youth element of the village. He was actively trying to solve parking problems at the school when buses dropped off or collected pupils. Cllr Squire complained that parking outside Londis in Broadway Lane was thoroughly dangerous at times. Cllr Jay and Cllr Harris expressed discontent about vehicles parking inconsiderately on the defined footpaths in Clarks Hay outside the Chapel and by the garage. Through his plan of action he always issued a verbal warning and if that was not heeded then he would issue a ticket to offenders. This procedure has been successful in the Lennards and Robert Franklin Way areas. One of his problems was in accessing transport to rural areas including South Cerney from Cirencester. Cllr Jay raised the problem of cyclists of all ages using footpaths especially from Box Bush through to Bow Wow lane which was causing a problem for the elderly pedestrians. Cllr Nicholas pointed out that the proliferation of advertising signs in the vicinity of the cross roads at Station Road, Cerney Wick Lane and Spine Road (B4696) was potentially dangerous. He reminded PCSO Yeomans that a fatal accident had occurred there this year. PCSO Yeomans would inform the Police Traffic Sergeant. He recommended that the Parish Council considers lighting the play area at Upper Up as the darkened area there provided sanctuary for potential vandalism. Cllr Harris, who lives in the area of the playing field, voiced his reluctance as he had experienced annoyance during the summer period when the equipment on the play area was being used as late as 2am. He thought that by providing lighting the area might be used even more often late at night throughout the year which was unacceptable to local residents. PCSO Yeomans’ patrol ‘patch’ included South Cerney including the Duke of Gloucester Barracks, Siddington, part of Somerford Keynes and Cirencester. The cctv camera at Upper Up was still in use and he had personally used it some three weeks ago. The assembled Parish Councillors and Cllr Mrs Clark (CDC) agreed totally with Cllr Stuart who in conclusion said that the Parish Council totally supported the concept and work of PCSOs. He then thanked PCSO Yeomans for his attendance. PCSO Yeomans then left the meeting at 7.35pm.

 
The Chairman, Cllr Stuart opened the Parish Council meeting at 7.35pm.

APOLOGIES

Cllr Bennett (CDC) had apologised for his absence as he was recovering from a recent illness. Cllr S. Parsons (GCC) had also made an apology.

MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 9th NOVEMBER 2005

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It was proposed by Cllr Jay and seconded by Cllr Webb that the Minutes as amended were a true and accurate record. Cllr Smith abstained as he did not attend the meeting in November. The other members of the Parish Council were all in favour.

MATTERS ARISING

Mud on the Spine Road
Cllr Mrs Clark (CDC) that protocols had been agreed with neighbouring Councils on procedures to keep the B4696 (Spine Road) clean. These procedures would be forwarded to the Parish Council in due course.

Sewerage Problems
Cllr Mrs Clark (CDC) informed the assembled Parish Councillors that R. Bull (CDC) was keeping in touch with Thames Water regarding sewerage problems. Parish Councillors noted that a statement made by Mr Bull regarding when the pipes were laid was not totally accurate and would not like his beliefs to influence Thames Water to delay the replacement of the sewerage pipes.

Minutes of the Airfield Liaison meeting
The Minutes of the meeting had been received. The Parish Council agreed with Cllr Jay who suggested that Cllr Stuart should write to CDC accepting the accuracy of the Minutes.

CLERK’S REPORT

On Thursday 17th November I attended a meeting to discuss the final draft of the Village Plan. Originally scheduled to be held in the Village Hall the meeting adjourned to Cllr Jay’s house. Also present were Cllr Mrs Pollard, Cllr Squire, Cllr Stuart, Cllr Webb and Cllr Jay. During the course of the period I contacted Amanda Keys GCC PROW and enquired about progress on the enquiry to decide the outcome of BSC11. A Modification Order application was lodged to incorporate the path from Berkeley Close to Upper Up as a public right of way in March 2001. Various reasons were offered on its slow progress but Mrs Keys did confirm that the application was now seventh in the queue. After consulting the Chairman, Cllr Stuart it was decided to ask Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown MP to exert his influence in expediting a resolution. Cllr Parsons (GCC) has been kept informed. On Thursday 8th December I accompanied Cllr Stuart to the CDC where we represented the Parish Council at a meeting to discuss the Gloucestershire Charter which will set out protocols to encourage better cooperation between the Parish Councils, Town Councils and Gloucestershire County Council. Although the CDC had been invited to participate, its excuse for delay was that the timing was inopportune. Delegates present were encouraged to pressurise their local District Councillors to provoke action from that Council Executive. Participation in the Charter is one of the criteria required for the Best Practice assessment.

During November over the 22 days available I averaged 3 hours 20 minutes per day which is par for my contract.

PLAYING FIELDS AND VILLAGE MAINTENANCE COMMITTEE REPORT

Mud on the highways
The Committee agreed with Cllr Caunce who requested that Earthline contractors be complimented on their efforts to keep Cerney Wick Lane clear of mud from Lake 10 west to the entrance to Lake 11.
Cllr Harris complained that vehicles using Shorncote quarry were leaving debris on the highway. An email had been sent to GCC Highways to complain, a copy of which also went to Somerford and Siddington Parish Councils.

Adjustments to Speed Limits and Interactive Speed Signs
Mr Whittaker, GCC Highways had informed that no objections to the proposed speed alterations on the Silver Street to Preston Toll Bar road had been received during the consultation period which expired earlier in December. The interactive speed signs were awaited.

Advertising Signs
No reply had been received from Mrs G. Portlock (GCC Highways) regarding the proliferation of advertising signs throughout the village. On Wednesday 14th the Clerk had met Mrs Portlock who complained that she had not received the correspondence. The Clerk had then emailed the relevant letters and Mrs Portlock had confirmed their receipt.

Tarmac
No quote had been received from Mr Francis to resurface the car park at Upper Up with tarmac although the Clerk reported that he had spoken directly with Mr Francis regarding the work. GCC Highways had given the Clerk the names of two contractors whom he had contacted. Cllr Harris asked that Gibbs Tarmac, Orchard Industrial Estate, Kiln Lane, Swindon SN2 2NP be requested to give a quotation.

360 deg Swing
A letter had been received from Steve Griffiths, Macventure Play Co explaining probable causes of the excessive movement in the supporting legs. Members of the Committee agreed to inspect the swing once again to ascertain if the wet weather had any effect on the stability of the equipment.

Robert Franklin Way Slide
Cllr Stuart had spoken to Steve Hanson of the Community Pay Back group who indicated that his labour force would be willing to dismantle the slide. Cllr Squire reported that Hills had declined to supply a skip at no cost. The Committee recommends that the Parish Council agrees to finance the hire of a skip to dispose of the resultant debris when the slide is removed. Cllr Harris and Cllr Caunce volunteered to dispose of the steel frame and rubber tiles.

Public Rights of Way
Cllr Stuart reported on his meeting with Mike Barton GCC PROW regarding the footpath from Upper Up to Keynes Park. An alternative temporary footpath would be created to help progress the establishment of a more permanent route. The proposed cycle path to Siddington along the route of the old canal was in abeyance awaiting a quotation for a replacement bridge which would be similar to that over the river Churn at Bow Wow. Mike Barton intends to liaise with the relevant landowners along the route.

INSPECTION REPORTS

Cerney Wick play area
Cllr Caunce reported no problems with the equipment. A working party had been arranged to cut the hedge back on 14th January 2006.

Robert Franklin Way play area
Cllr Harris reported that apart from the 360 degree swing all equipment was in a satisfactory condition. The ash tree had been cleared away and the ‘No Dog’ signs would be installed when supplied.

Upper Up play area
Cllr Stuart reported that the step ladder to the slide was now in working order after alterations, suggested by Mr J. Hicks at his safety inspection, had been carried out. The hedge between the Cricket Club and the lake would be cut back shortly after Christmas.

Cllr Harris declared a prejudicial interest in the next item and left the room.

Trees continue to be vandalised. It was proposed by Cllr Squire and seconded by Cllr Caunce that the Parish Council accepts a quotation from James Harris Contracting to supply and fix a 3-pole support 2 metres high with green tubular tree ties at a price of £15 per tree. The Parish Council was all in favour.

Cllr Harris returned to the room.

PRECEPT CONSIDERATIONS
The Committee proposes that three new schemes be considered for action: 1. Resurface the car parking area at Upper Up playing fields with tarmacadam; 2. Planting wet land area at Upper Up; 3. Removing silt and debris from ditch in Station Road.

COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS
Cllr Harris reported that a Willow Pollard is in a dangerous condition along the footpath which leads from the Old George Public House car park and parallel to Bow Wow. The tree is unsafely propped up with a wooden stake and could collapse. Cllr Nicholas noted that the path was becoming difficult to use with bits of trees stuck in the path to obstruct users and leaves and other garden refuse left to rot on the surface of the path. The Clerk had informed Mike Barton, GCC PROW.

Cllr Jay reported that after recent repair work to damaged sewage pipes in Station Road the contractors had left a quantity of gravel in the ditch. Cllr Harris had inspected but did not consider the gravel as any sort of hazard.

Cllr Webb was concerned that land owned by the Parish Council should be registered with the Land Registry. The Clerk will check with Valerie Hancock of Davey Franklin Jones if any Parish Council land holdings, especially the playing fields at Upper Up and the Piece in Station Road, need to be registered.

FINANCE
Due to Cllr Smith’s absence from the Committee meeting, Cllr Jay reported on the deliberations of the Finance Committee which had met on 12th December.

MATTERS ARISING

Jubilee Gardens Offer
Although never confirmed in writing, CDC had agreed to the sale of the land at Jubilee Gardens. Each party would pay its own legal fees for the transaction which was proceeding.

Safety Surfaces
The payment to Fenland Leisure Products Ltd had been sent after Cllr Stuart reported that the outstanding work had been satisfactorily completed by the contractor.

Grass Cutting

Grass cutting costs for this current year and those of last year. Please note that the VAT element is inconsistent as some contractors are registered and others are not.

Cllr Jay inspected the invoices and agreed the Clerk’s travel expenses for November.

It was proposed by Cllr Caunce and seconded by Cllr Mrs Pollard that the Parish Council makes the above payments. The Parish Council was all in favour.

Precept Considerations
Cllr Webb reminded the Committee that it must consider providing computer equipment for the Clerk. Cllr Jay suggested that a Contingency Fund be created to allow for unbudgeted expense. The Finance Committee would debate that option when it next meets. Cllr Smith agreed to hold the meeting at his home on Thursday 5th January 2006 at 7.30pm to discuss budget proposals.

Clerk’s Gratuity
The Clerk explained that he had miscalculated the amount required to provide his contracted gratuity. It was previously thought that the gratuity would be calculated on final earnings but recent information received means that it will be based on the Lower Earnings limit which is currently in the region of £4,000. This would mean a gratuity at the moment of approximately £1,200 to be paid tax free. New rules coming into force in April 2006 will mean that any gratuity earned after that date will attract income tax. The Clerk has asked that the Parish Council considers enrolling him in the GCC Pension Fund. Cllr Webb suggested to the Clerk that he enquires from the SLCC how the new conditions will affect his gratuity. Cllr Jay asked the Clerk if he would ask Ms R. Henson, GCC Pensions if she would meet with Parish Councillors to explain the implications of the Clerk becoming a member of the GCC Pension Fund.

Cllr Jay and Cllr Webb agreed to arrange a meeting with Alan Marshall (GCC Pension Manager) and report back to the Personnel Committee.

Cutts Charity
Before Cllr Jay left the room having declared a prejudicial interest in this item he informed the Parish Council that income from the Cutts Charity, which totalled approximately £260, would be divided equally between the Church, Parish Council and the poor. If the Parish Council refuses to accept its portion then the amount given to the poor could be doubled. This year the Cutts Charity intends to support Will Fenton in his efforts to walk again after a bad trampoline accident which dislocated his neck and severely damaged his spinal cord. Will needs the money to pay for a revolutionary stem cell therapy.

It was proposed by Cllr Webb and seconded by Cllr Nicholas that the Parish Council decides to decline the donation from Cutts Charity. The Parish Council was all in favour.

Cllr Jay rejoined the meeting.

PLANNING

Due to Cllr Nicholas’ absence at the Committee meeting, Cllr Webb reported on the deliberations of the Planning Committee which had met on 12th December.

Planning applications received by Cotswold District Council

Cllr Harris declared a prejudicial interest as the applicant was a client of his and left the room.

CT.0144/5/B
Applicants: Mr & Mrs Oakey, 41 Robert Franklin Way, South Cerney
Single storey rear extension at 41 Robert Franklin Way, South Cerney
It was proposed by Cllr Jay and seconded by Cllr Smith that the Parish Council does not object to the above application. The Parish Council was all in favour.
NO OBJECTION

Cllr Harris returned to the room.

CT.1599/E
Applicants: Mr & Mrs J. Smith, c/o Goldings, High Gables, Daglingworth, GL7 7AE
Erection of a two-storey side and rear extension at Morning Dew, Cerney Wick GL7 5QJ
NO OBJECTION

CT.2443/Q
Applicant: J. S. Bloor (Tewkesbury) Ltd, Mythe Road, Tewkesbury GL20 6EB
Construction of 5 (five) dwellings and associated access, garages and parking off Berkeley Close, South Cerney
The Parish Council agreed with the Committee which had serious reservations that the main sewerage system may not cope with the extra effluent generated through this development and further new development on the Broadway Lane industrial area and other development in the residential area of Broadway Lane.
OBJECTION

CT.4086/E
Applicant: Mr A. Atkinson, 2 Edwards College, South Cerney GL7 5TR
Reinstatement of lath and plaster ceiling in top floor bedroom and replacement of fibreboard ceiling in first floor bedroom with plasterboards and skim at 2 Edwards College, South Cerney GL7 5TR
NO OBJECTION

CT.4125/1/L
Applicant: Mr Pollard, 3 Beverstone Close, South Cerney
Single storey rear extension for disabled person at 3 Beverstone Close, South Cerney (R)
NO OBJECTION RATIFIED

CT.5946/J
Applicant: Mr Peter Stone, Tobermory, Cerney Wick, GL7 5QJ
Erection of a single storey pitched roof side extension and rear conservatory at Tobermory, Cerney Wick
NO OBJECTION

It was proposed by Cllr Caunce and seconded by Cllr Jay that the Parish Council accepts the deliberations of the Planning Committee on the above applications excluding CT.0144/5/B which had been discussed earlier. The Parish Council was all in favour.

CT.5778/Y
Applicant: Mr M. Uddin, 7 The Laurels, Clarks Hay, South Cerney
Provision of external kitchen extraction ductwork (revised scheme) at South Cerney Tandoori, 7 The Laurels, Clarks Hay, South Cerney
As this application had been received after the Planning Committee met, after discussion it was proposed by Cllr Smith and seconded by Cllr Nicholas that the Parish Council did not object. The Parish Council was all in favour.
NO OBJECTION

Planning applications granted

CT.3578/K
Replacement windows at Stones Farmhouse, Cerney Wick

CT.7318/E
Erection of external stone stairs at Mill Cottage, Cerney Wick

CT.8441/B
Listed Building Consent: Demolition of two porches; part demolition of boundary wall; provision of new kitchen, breakfast area, conservatory and utility room; internal and external alterations at Brook Cottage, Silver Street, South Cerney

CT.8441/D
Provision of extensions to provide new breakfast area, conservatory and utility room at Brook Cottage, Silver Street, South Cerney

Planning applications withdrawn

CT.1454/4/D
Erection of a restaurant, hotel with associated car parking at Lake 7, Cotswold Water Park, South Cerney

CT.2648/3/G
Construction of an office building for the use of Watermark in association with their surrounding leisure facilities at Lake 11, Cotswold Water Park, South Cerney

CT.2648/3/H
Cable tow waterski course with clubhouse/restaurant/swimming pool/shops/health club. Amendment to previously approved scheme at Lake 11, Cotswold Water Park, South Cerney

CT.8441/C
Demolition of double garage at Brook Cottage, Silver Street, South Cerney

VILLAGE PLAN REPORT

Prior to the meeting the Clerk had emailed a copy of the final draft of the Village Plan created by Cllr Mrs Pollard to all Parish Councillors. Cllr Mrs Chapman, Cllr Jay and Cllr Stuart individually thanked Cllr Mrs Pollard for her efforts and the other Parish Councillors concurred. The Parish Council accepted an offer from Cllr Jay to produce 1,500 photocopies of the document for £30 which the Clerk estimated was 50% less than the best commercial rate available. Cllr Jay commended the document to the Parish Council and after some minor alterations it was proposed by Cllr Smith and seconded by Cllr Mrs Chubb that the Parish Council accepts the proposals as laid out in the draft. The Parish Council was all in favour. The Clerk would email a copy to Mel Tarrant (GRCC) and ask her to forward any comments to Cllr Jay. Cllr Mrs Pollard volunteered to help Cllr Jay in collating the document into the February edition of Cerney News.

CORRESPONDENCE

COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS

Cllr Parsons (GCC) emailed that some success on road cleaning had been achieved. For example to the west of Somerford Keynes, Hills have agreed to stop moving earth onto a new golf course until next March. The site at Watermark was more difficult as enforcement for this site now rests with CDC since it is no longer a minerals site. There is a wheel wash but it is poorly sited and Earthline (Lake 10) are not that co-operative.

There is a tremendous work load and little resource available to resolve the determination of BSC11. Each Modification Order takes a long time to prepare. If more supporting reasons could be furnished it might help to expedite a conclusion.

Cllr Mrs Clark (CDC) said that details would be published early in the new year on criteria to access 2nd homes community charge money which amounts to approximately £300,000 in the District. The money would be open to bid for as ‘stand alone’ capital grants. Cllr Jay and Cllr Webb queried why 2nd homes money is not allocated as part of the precept. This year the local tax base, which is used to express Band ‘D’ equivalent properties, had increased by 16.6. If all 2nd homes in the Parish were included the tax base would increase significantly thereby lowering the demand on local residents. Cllr Mrs Clark (CDC) promised to inquire.

Cllr Mrs Clark (CDC) reported that the mobile internet cafe would be starting in February and the Parish Council would be notified shortly.

Cllr Caunce volunteered to be responsible for the Highway matters portfolio.

Cllr Webb queried when Minutes of the Cotswold Waterpark Liaison Committee meeting he had attended two months previously might be published. Cllr Jay replied that they might be published a week before the next meeting but unapproved Minutes should be available from the Secretary if requested. Cllr Webb queried when was the deadline for applying for 2nd home grant money. This information was not available as the criteria had not yet been received.

Cllr Webb asked the Clerk to supply a list of meeting dates for the coming year.

Cllr Jay had objected to a plan by the Environment Agency to site a large oblong green monitoring box alongside the bridge outside the Village Hall as it would have a detrimental visual effect on the Conservation Area. Cllr Squire reported that after a conversation he had with contractors he preferred that the monitoring box would be sited further up stream.

Cllr Jay pleaded with the Chairman to instruct Committee Chairmen who make an apology for absence to inform their deputies, or who ever may be asked, to Chair the committee in their absence.

Cllr Jay reported on a meeting he and Cllr Stuart attended with Clare Dowan, CDC Youth Participation Officer. It was hoped to set up a Youth Parish Council in South Cerney, including Cerney Wick, involving 11 to 18 year olds. An inaugural meeting was planned for January 11th at 4pm and elections could take place in April 2006. CDC will facilitate training and Parish Councillors are encouraged to forward names of suitable participants to either Cllr Jay or Cllr Stuart. It was planned to invite candidates from a cross-section of genders and geographical location.

Cllr Nicholas reported that the memorial tree planted to commemorate Jim Parker, deceased Past Chairman of the Parish Council, had been irreparably damaged by Avent Engineering Ltd, Bath Road Industrial Estate, Chippenham, Wiltshire SN14 0AB. The Clerk was to write and ask them to pay for the cost of replanting a new tree.

Cllr Mrs Chapman reported on a meeting of the Cerney Wick Village Committee she attended, which was primarily concerned with planning applications on Lakes 10 and 11. A traffic survey is to be carried out by Watermark and an analysis of this by Peter Finalyson is anticipated to cost Cerney Wick residents £300. It was proposed by Cllr Smith and seconded by Cllr Nicholas that the Parish Council makes a grant of £300 maximum to Cerney Wick Village Committee to subsidise the cost of the analysis. The Parish Council was all in favour. The Clerk was asked to inform Carey Bamford, Chair Cerney Wick Village Committee.

There being no further business the Chairman, Cllr Stuart closed the meeting at 9.47pm.